Sweet As A Daisy...

I had all sorts of suggestions for my future spool animals, so I started Saturday night. Meet "Daisy the Skunk"!

I told this story on Facebook, but I want to share it here, too. When I was a preschooler, my Dad - who was also a college student/veteran with two daughters and a wife - owned a pet shop in Stevens Point. We had lots of fish in aquariums, budgies (like parakeets), and even a pet monkey. 

I've heard stories of how I fell into a salt water tank (right after a fish delivery, no less) and needed stitches above my eye. I also had to have my young stomach pumped because I'd eaten a container of water purification tablets (chlorine). Not too bright then, I guess. The monkey tried to pull out my mum's long hair in a fit of pique, and when someone asked me  what my name was and where I lived, I'd reply, "Donna Uby, Budgie Shop". (My maiden name was Newby, but hey. I was only about three.)

So, among other critters, Dad also had a de-scented skunk he named "Daisy". My grandparents lived on a the south side of Stevens Point, and I vividly remember our family visiting them with Daisy in tow. Somehow she got loose, so Dad went out looking for her. My grandparents lived near a dump, so naturally, Dad headed that way. 

When he saw Daisy, he was so happy. He ran up to her and scooped her up. Thing is...that wasn't Daisy. He got sprayed...a lot...and came back to the house, stinking to high heaven. Mum, my sister and I all squealed at the smell, and Grandma flatly refused to let him in the house to take a shower. She made him strip down outside and handed him a big container of tomato juice. I don't think we ever saw Daisy again, but Dad managed to get back into Grandma's graces after a tomato bath. This is my little tribute to Dad's little skunk...the one that didn't smell. 

I have more animals on my list now, but this is the only one I did this weekend. I also completed Bobbi's travel sewing case which shipped today, but I'm not going to share photographs of it until I know it's in her hands. (I sure hope she loves it!)

Wishful Thinking...

 

 Never enough time. 

 

It's been four years, and yet it feels like yesterday.

 

 

I miss you, Dad.

We all miss you.

 

Always, 

Your #1

Busy Hands, Busy Mind...

I grabbed all the saved veggie scraps I'd frozen over the past month (from cleaning vegetables for meals), and popped everything into my stock pot yesterday morning. I topped it off with spring water and a bit of salt, and then let it simmer all day.

Shortly before dinner, I strained all the scraps, and jarred the broth. Into the pressure canner for 20 minutes while we prepared our evening meal, and turned it off as we sat down to eat. It depressurized and cooled so we could pull the jars before going to bed.

I got a lot done yesterday (and even took a little nap late day), and kept my mind busy. It's the best I can do right now, so I'm not just sitting and missing Tag. The Kid and her mama are great diversions, as are Claudette and Crystal, but it's still best for me to keep moving. I can safely say it was a good day, and I know each day will get a little easier.

These three quarts of vegetable broth will go into the pantry to be used with my home-canned soup starter, or in some other dishes. The fact that they were made with kitchen vegetable scraps was bonus. All the good parts of the vegetables made it into the pot. Nothing went to waste, and I really like that.

I'll be thinking about Dad today. It would have been his Birthday, but I know even though he's not here, he's celebrating. That makes me happy, but I miss him, too. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Dad.

I work at 4 today, and I have a lot I'd like to accomplish before I have to leave. I'll be back tomorrow to check in on everybody. What do you have planned this weekend? I'll tell you tomorrow what I'll be doing. 

Tuesdays With Tag - I've Been Very Busy...

Hi, Everybody!

 Not busy that you could see from the road, but a different kind of busy. Important busy.

I've been up to the top of my ears tryin' to be silly to cheer Mom up. It's been a very rough (almost) week for her. She's been runnin' around in her Explorer, and also on the phone a lot more than usual. She's been available to help our nieces with funeral preparations, and spendin' a lot of time keepin' close to her sisters. The brothers are mostly helpin' each other, too. The girls are stickin' together.

Don't get me wrong. She's been keepin' busy, but we're also gettin' to run around outside and havin' cuddle sessions inside. We're also gettin' lots of extra treats from Mom and Dad!

On a happier note, Mom and Dad and the doglets got to pose for our Christmas card on Sunday. The weather was unseasonably warm, so Mom siezed the opportunity to gather our clan for a photograph. Claudette stayed close to watch the shenanigans, but didn't deign to grace us with her presence for the pictures. Crystal didn't want to have anythin' to do with the black dogs, so she stayed well out of sight.

We got a really super image to have made into this year's cards, but when I asked Mom, she told me I couldn't share it with you (yet). You're gonna have to settle for three good lookin' hounds (and Dad). Bella's gettin' a little grey in the face, but you can blame Carly for that. I've got nothin' to do with it! 

There's always somethin' goin' on in the yard, so Mom had to be quick to get us all lookin' in the same direction! In the end, she prevailed and we got one frame that's card worthy. She said, "I got it!", so we all bolted into the yard and started playin' around. Another one in the can until next year. Whew! I'm outta here for this week.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Be A Good Dog." 

Tuesdays With Tag - A Date With Mom...

 

 

Hi, Everybody!!

 

Here's a picture of me wearin' my bowtie from (more than) a few years ago. In fact, we were still livin' in Florida when I posed for this, so you might say I was still a puppersnapper! Well, I'm gettin' out my ol' bow tie, 'cuz I've got a date with Mom!!!

 

Dad's last concert of the season is tomorrow. Dad told Mom last night - and I just happened to overhear them - that it's supposed to be 96° tomorrow, so they're gonna have the concert inside instead of outside. Not the best of conditions for me to show off, but I'm goin' anyway. I'm sure if there aren't many kids, there will be lots of old people (Mom and Dad's age heehee) who would love to pet my silky fur! 

Dad's had a lot of fun playin' this summer and tomorrow night they're doin' a whole concert of favorites that were voted on by the audience over the whole season. It's gonna be fun. (I wonder if they'll play "How Much Is That Doggie In The Window"?)

People always love seein' Corgis - even though WMBBD and her pretty (nuts) daughter come in a close second - so I'm expectin' to get a lot of attention. It's about time (again), too!

I'm gonna close for now. I've got one more sleep until my Dad's show, so I'd better get my beauty rest. I'm gonna ask Mom to give me a good brushin' and spray some girly smell on me, too. Gotta look my best for my fans, you know! Pictures and stories next week!

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Be A Good Dog."

Gilded Sacred Heart...

 

I'm finished with the goldwork on my Sacred Heart - all in goldtones this time - but can't turn it into a brooch until I complete the Immaculate Heart. If I cut out the gold one, I won't have enough fabric to support the other one in my hoop. 

 

Once they're both finished I'll turn them into brooches and make them available to purchase. I'm never sure which is my favorite, but I really enjoy making them. I actually have an idea for a future project along this line, but as I've said, I have a special commission that will be up after I finish the Sacred Heart here.

I'm going to finish these today, and after Tag's post tomorrow, I'll share the special commission idea I'll be doing next. If you're still off for the Independence Day holiday, enjoy another day of family and friends. 

 

Today marks three years since Dad's passing. It seems like a lifetime and just yesterday all at once. So many times I've wanted to pick up the phone to call him. How I'd love to see his nostrils flare as a smile crosses his face, and to hear his laughter one more time. I miss you, Dad. Until we're together again...

Tuesdays With Tag - Any Day Now...

 

Hi, Everybody!

It was four months ago that these two drove down the driveway to go to Florida. Music, trainin', warm weather and good friends were waitin' for them after a long trip. We said goodbye with happy hearts because we knew Dad was gonna be doin' somethin' he truly loves. It's who he is.

Winter has been long - heck, it snowed again yesterday, but I'm not goin' there today! Mom took great care of Bella, Claudette, Crystal and me, but we know she missed Dad a lot. So, there's gonna be a lot of whoopin' and hollerin' when he comes up the road this week. 

We can see the highway off-ramp from the farmhouse, and once Dad calls Mom to say he's gettin' close, she'll probably take all of us out on the porch to watch for him. It's gonna be a really good day when that happens.

Right now we think that's gonna be Thursday, but Mom told Dad to take his time so he doesn't get stressed or sick. She's gonna have a great dinner planned, and we'll be jumpin' all over them when they get back. I'm gonna ask Mom to take lots of pictures of their homecomin' so we can share it with you next week. For now, we're all walkin' on our tippy toes in anticipation. 

Right now, I've gotta run. We've still got preparations to get done before then. (Mom's bakin' cookies and I love to help!)

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Be A Good Dog."

Mark Your Calendars...

                        

March 15, 2023

14th Blog Anniversary Giveaway! 

 

Hard to believe it's algready been 14 years since the first post I ever wrote here. Since then I've written 5,039 posts, and received over 1,529,589 comments that were left for me! I try to tell you often how much your stopping by to visit means to me, and Number Fourteen seems a good time to put together a little drawing.

 

I'm going to launch the Anniversary giveaway period on March 15th, and close it on March 22nd. Mark your calendars. You won't want to miss it!

 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Be A Good Dog."

 

PS. Not as an afterthought. Always in my heart and on my mind. Today, Dad would have celebrated his 90th Birthday. Instead, he's celebrating Birthday #3 in Heaven. I miss you, Dad.

 

Tuesdays With Tag - I Need A Hobby...

 

Hi, Everybody!

Do I look stiff in this picture? I should, 'cuz I'm bored stiff!

 

Honestly, this is what happens when Dad's away and Mom's workin' toward a deadline. She lets us keep her company and stuff, but there's not a lot of runnin' around outside or extra cuddles. I miss Dad. At least he takes us outside for long walkies and throws dummies for us.

 

Mom set up my bed in her studio, so when it's my turn to hang out with her I have a nice place to snooze. She also fixed up some gates downstairs so Bella (or I) can be contained to rooms, and not just to our kennel when it's our turn in "solitary".  

Mom took this picture of Bella when it was her turn to be in the studio. Cheeky girl got right up onto her lap so she could look out the window and down the road! Funniest part is that she actually believes she's a lap dog! She didn't get to stay there very long. Mom was workin', after all.

Mom actually sent this picture to Dad so he could see his WMBBD (He calls her "World's Most Beautiful Black Dog"). I think she's okay, but WMBBD? meh

I really don't mean to complain. She's doin' the best she can under the circumstances. She told us that once she's finished makin' inventory and gettin' through the quilt show, she's gonna do somethin' really special with us. We don't know what that is yet, but maybe it will be a trip to Petsmart to pick out new toys, or even go somewhere with lots of good smells to explore.

So I guess I should find a hobby for myself for days like these. Have you got any ideas for me? Don't say somethin' outside, 'cuz you know what happens if I go outside unsupervised. Who knows where my nose would take me! If you have ideas, leave a comment. I'll make sure Mom sees 'em.

Speakin' of Mom...She said to offer up her apologies for not postin' yesterday. She's up to her ears in cork and threads right now. She's still not finished with the Kirby bags, but should be by tomorrow to show you what they all look like. Then she'll be right on to the next thing, but I'll let her tell you about that. 

I'm gonna see if she'll let me raid the fridge or somethin'. I'd say I like to eat when I'm bored, but truthfully, I'll eat any time I can get at food. It's really only a matter of bein' able to reach into the cupboards or open the door on the fridge. Seein' as how it's not likely I'll be able to do that, I guess I'll just take another nap. sigh 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Be A Good Dog."

Sunday Scripture...

 

Galatians 5:13

You left two years ago today. I love and miss you, Dad. 

This Area Is Next...

This is the regenerated honeysuckle that used to reside next to the staircase on the old wooden porch. I moved it next to our big pole barn/garage right before the old porch demolition, and prayed that it would survive the move. It looked more than a little rough last year, but this year it's back like gangbusters!

This area was mulched a couple years ago, and has pretty much gone renegade since. It's the next area I/we'll tackle. Handsome loves that dang weed wacker, but the problem with that is it doesn't leave much to grab onto to pull weeds/grass. I'm going to be getting down on my (ouch) knees to get the leverage to clean this all up. I'll train the honeysuckle onto the fence rails while I'm at it. It's worth it. The fragrance for this bush is heavenly! I may do some research on propagating this, too. I'd love to have it growing along the front of the house, too. Once this is all weeded and tamed, we'll put dark mulch here, too.

These galvanized tubs and livestock sink all have history. Andy found the double, curved front sink for me after we first moved here. I usually plant tomatoes in it, but this year I did onion sets, lemon grass, and lemon balm (for jelly). 

I found the square sink - filled with auto parts - in Dad's garage. I knew it would be coming to the farmhouse. I brought it home, scrubbed the sink, and left the stand as is. I'll probably give it a clear coat or even clean up and paint the base with Rustoleum in the same creamy color. I have thyme, rosemary, and I forget-what-else growing in it. 

The two round-bottom tubs were just purchased at an estate sale. The person running the sale actually lives with her husband in our first farmhouse/home. It's the place where Handsome and I were married and started our lives together. I still love the place, and I'm so glad she loves it as much as I do. They've lived there about thirty years now. 

The watering can was also a gift from Shelly. I planted it with flowers and hung it from a hook one year, but I'm using it for water now. 

This whole length of planting bed along the building needs to be weeded and remulched. I have plans for this whole area, too. Handsome and I actually talked about it yesterday. I'm going to be taking some measurements and drawing up some plans to see what works best. Then we'll either build cedar raised beds, or purchase galvanized stock tanks to implement the plan. 

Don't fret, though. Whatever we decide, I'll bring you along on the process. If you don't yet follow me on Instagram yet, you might consider it. I think when we start working on this, I'll be doing short videos (reels) to share on that platform. You can find me @brynwoodneedleworks, or search "Donna Liljegren".

It's the weekend, and I'm looking forward to more time outdoors. It supposed to be in the mid-70s all day today, with lovely sunshine. Wishing you beautiful weather, and you doing something you love. See you tomorrow!

Tuesdays With Tag - When Mom’s Away…

Well, Hello

Hi, Everybody!

Mom made it safely to her retreat, and it looks like it’s just Dad and me to wrangle all the girls ‘til she gets back. She showed Dad what she does for The Barn Girls every mornin’ and night, so they won’t starve while she’s away. He already takes stellar care of me, Boo and The Kid, so we’re good, too.  

Dad and The Girls

Mom took this real nice picture of Dad and the girls on Sunday. We’re all so happy to see the sun again, we just had to memorialize it for you.

I’m not gonna hold forth too much this week. I have so many responsibilities here that I really can’t sit around and chew the fat with you, but I promise I’ll make it up to you next week. 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Been There, Chewed That!"

Tuesdays With Tag - A Tale of Two Kitties...

It's All Her Fault

Hi, Everybody!

I hope you'll read all the way through my post today. It's not the usual kitty rant. This has an interestin' twist at the end. Really. I hope you'll be as surprised as we were.

It all began a couple of years ago when Miss Shelly told us about the local feral cats havin' kittens up at their house. Actually, I think Claudette had her kittens under their lp tank, but it doesn't really matter. There were three kittens in that litter, and another mama cat had kittens, too.

One of the kittens disappeared. Miss Shelly thinks the other mama adopted that one, and they all went off into the woods after they got bigger. Claudette (named Groucho at the time) stayed around the farm with her kittens.

Then, winter came that year. At Christmastime, the kittens showed up on our porch to play in the snow. We watched them through the window. Leo and Crystal were the cutest! Of course, Boo and I were very curious about them.

Lyin' On The Driveway

Fast forward to last spring. Leo lived in the barn with Claudette and Crystal, and he never got the message that he shouldn't do the nasty with relatives. Shortly after, we found out that Claudette was expectin' - and a little later, so was Crystal. It was about that time that Leo took off for the summer. Gone with the wind.

Late last fall, Leo showed up again in the barn, but he looked real sick. He was poopin' all over the place, and it was gross. Claudette and Crystal didn't want to have anythin' to do with him, and soon after, he disappeared. Truthfully, Mom was pretty sad thinkin' he'd gone away to die. As for the girls, life went on.

Whenever Mom walks down to get the mail, her entourage follows. She turns around to see what looks like roadkill on the driveway. The girls flop down hopin' she'll stop to pet their bellies before she goes back in the house. (She always does.) If I'm out there with her, they chase me!  Crazy cats!

They've Taken Over Dad's Tractor

Over the weekend, we all got a surprise. The girls love sleepin' on Dad's tractor. He's not particularly thrilled with this. That's not the surprise, though. Mom started puttin' an old sheet on the tractor so the seat didn't get dirty. They don't seem to mind one bit.

She Is NOT Pleased

But then, she saw somethin'. Look up in the loft. Big Grey (the 'possum) left the barn a few days ago when the weather was real nice, so Mom was wonderin' who was makin' a mess of the workbench where she feeds the girls. Now we know who the culprit is. 

He's back! That's LEO up in the loft. He survived the winter (who knows where), and came back to the barn. Just what we need. Another freakin' cat!

"Tag, What have I told you about using bad language?" - Mom

"I'll quit sayin' it about the cats when Dad does."

Dad was not happy. He's not a fan of the cats, and they haven't even swatted him on the face or butt like they do me! He only tolerates them because Mom loves them. If he had his way, they'd all be on their way with little suitcases.

He's Back!

So, here Leo is again...eatin' the girls' food, sleepin' in their beds, and gettin' hissed at when he gets too close to them. Don't say anythin' out loud, 'cuz we don't want him to get wind of this, but Mom's gonna befriend him again. He was the first one to rub up on her and be all sweet when he was a kitten. Then he went all wild. So she's gonna have to earn his trust again, but she's done this with Claudette and Crystal. She can do it again with Leo.

Once they're big buds again, she's gonna get him tutored, vetted and cleaned up. No more kittens from this Tom boy! Then, she'll release him again so he can follow his muse. 

We're all happy that he's not dead, and Mom is glad to see him again. Dad, Claudette and Crystal? Not so much. Seems Dad has somethin' in common with the Barn Girls. Imagine that!

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Been There, Chewed That!"

Special Birthday Wishes...

My Dad - circa 1993

 

Tag will post tomorrow, because I wanted to use today (rather than yesterday or tomorrow) to write this one. I know you understand.

He would have been 89 today. If you're a young person that will seem old to you. If you're his daughter in her late 60's, it means he left us too soon. It's been nearly two years since he passed.

I know many of you have lost one or both of your parents, or someone else you loved deeply. Today, I feel the loss with you. But, I also celebrate the life of the man I knew as "Dad". 

 

Where I Got My Love Of Motorcycles

I'm saddened that I can't call him on the telephone and make plans for lunch. I can't bake a cake for him and load it up with candles you could see from outer space, just to see his smile and hear his laughter as he blew them all out in one breath. To hear him tell me one more time, "Donnie, I loved you longest."

Instead, I'll imagine he strolls the Streets of Gold, watching over me and the rest of his children and grandchildren. I'll imagine he's visiting with Grandma, Grandpa, his brother and cousins. I'll imagine he holds hands with both of my sisters-in-law who were all too young when they went to make a place for him. Finally, I'll imagine the celebrations he shares with the One who gives Life Eternal. 

Imagining all those things makes being here without him a little easier. He's always on my heart and mind, but today, I'll think of him and whisper again how much I miss him. I hope it's a long time before I actually see him again, but I know when I'm called, he'll be there to greet me.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Dad. 

I love you.

Your #1

Our Cousin...

Dad's Cousin and Me

I just received this image in my inbox over the weekend. This is the picture from my visit with my cousins a week ago Saturday. Remember, I met with Dad's cousin, her son (closer to my age), and his daughter  that day.

Dad's cousin was born a few short months after he was, and she told me they even attended the same high school (in different classes because of their age difference). We shared memories, while she and her son took copious notes. Her son said the information was coming so fast it was like "drinking water from a fire hose". I admit, we packed a lot of stories and facts into our few short hours together. We promised we'd get together again soon.

Before we parted ways, her son wanted to take a picture of his mom and me together. She resisted, saying she hates having her picture taken. I'm so glad we convinced her to sit for this one. Her smile is contagious, and now we have her beautiful face to put with her name when I share our visit with my siblings who've yet to meet her.

Do you hate having your picture taken, too? Let me tell you what I said to her. When you're gone, memories, stories and your pictures will be all that's left of you for your family and friends. They'll be the proof that you were ever here. No one will care what you weighed, how many wrinkles you have, what color your hair is, what you're wearing, or whether or not your smile is crooked. What they'll remember is the love, laughter, and time...mostly time...they shared with you. 

So, please. If you're "photograph hesitant" or "photograph resistant", stop. Jump right in front of the camera. Share your best smile. Let people see the life in your eyes. Let your light shine. You owe it to everyone who knows and loves you. Forget about the haters. They don't matter. What matters is that you are here. It won't always be that way, and letting someone take your picture is leaving a part of you for someone to embrace when you're gone. Proof that you once lived a glorious life on this earth. 

I'm looking forward to my next visit with our cousins. I'm already planning what I'll take with me on my next trip to see them. Not only a written family tree of my father's descendants, but also pictures. Photographs I'm quite sure they don't have of our shared ancestors; my great grandfather, and my grandfather (who is her uncle)...and a few more of my Dad. More proof that they were here - to share with  their ancestors.

My Sewing Studio...

Brynwood Needleworks - Sewing Studio

 

I'm going to call this cleaning process mostly "done" for now. I actually have clear surfaces (tables and floors), so it's my Happy Place again.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Sewing Studio

 

This large tote ( as well as the smaller one on the floor) in front of my studio door is filled with items I'm going to share, either through sale, donation or gift. I'll be doing more with it next week, but for now, it's in the sewing studio so I can photograph them and get measurements. (I have a second, filled tote in the hallway.)

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Sewing Studio

I have orders that came in yesterday that I'll create to ship on Monday, and then I'll get back to the other project I've been working on (more purple!).

Today, I'm going to meet one of my dad's cousins I'm not sure I've met in person before. I met her son at Dad's Celebration of Life last summer. He and I have kept in touch since. Last week, he invited me to his mom's home for a visit. He thought I'd enjoy meeting her and then watching the video together that I created for Dad's memorial, so I could explain to her who appeared in the video and perhaps the events that inspired the images. I'm looking forward to it.

 

When Dad was still alive and before he got sick, he used to drive the half hour from his home to hers, and then take her out to lunch. It will be nice to speak with someone who was my dad's contemporary and hear her stories of him. I think this would make Dad very happy.

 

I'm going to stop and order new prescription glasses on this trip, too. I had an eye appointment last week, and my Rx changed slightly. The frames that held my last pair of progressive lens fell apart, so I've been wearing my bifocals. I swear, I almost fall down the stairs wearing them, and there's no good mid-distance viewing area if I'm out shopping (or using my computer). I need to get back to my progressive lenses for my own safety! 

All in all, I know it's going to be a great day for a drive up the Fox River Valley. I'll try to remember to take pictures to share.

Home...

Brynwood Needleworks - September - Deer On Our Lawn

Yesterday was bread-making day. By dinnertime, the whole house smelled of fresh-out-of-the-oven bread. After dinner, Handsome sat in his new recliner, when something caught his eye out the north window. Not wanting to get the dogs into "go crazy! Sound the alarm! Bark fool heads off!" mode, I tried to take as discreet a photo of our visitors as possible. Thankfully, no dogs were alerted to their presence.

Unfortunately, I had only seen one of two deer. Handsome said there was more than one, but I never saw it from around the window. You know. Stick the camera around the corner, stealth mode. Oh, yes. Through the window screen, too. This won't make it between the covers of a National Geographic magazine, but I think the screen looks intentionally artsy fartsy in spite of the fact that I made no particular effort for it to be. By the time I tried to get a second image, the deer had taken the path to what I've called The Habitat for the past few years. As quietly as they appeared, they were gone. 

I think of Dad, and again silently thank him for instilling a love for nature deep in my soul. Just like that, he's with me again, and I smile.

A Year Ago Today...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Dad

 

He left us a year ago today. He didn't want to go, but damn cancer ravaged his body, and God called him home. Although it was twelve months ago, it hurts like it was yesterday. I miss him, and there are so many things I still want to ask him.

 

Dad was my childhood hero, and this is one of my favorite photographs of him. This is how I like to remember him...laughing and filled with joy.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Reminders of Dad

 

Dad gave this monument to me many years ago. It's traveled more than 3000 miles since he gave it to me. He was a scuba diver and instructor (even owning a scuba shop when I was a kid), and this is a salvage piece from one of his dives. I knew the story decades ago, but asked Dad to retell how he brought this up from the bottom of a local lake in the months I spent with him before he passed. This is a reminder of a cherished memory.

The heart in front was a thoughtful gift from our neighbors, Andy and Shelly, after he passed. I don't leave it here year-round, but will bring it out for the summer months, especially when I have the flags displayed. Dad was a veteran, so I know he'd like the flags.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - I Miss Him

Independence Day (weekend) will always hold an added meaning for me. It will always be a time to celebrate the birth of our nation, but it will forever be a reminder to me of the death of my Dad. I know the tears will fade as years pass, but for now, it's still too fresh. I'll cry a little today, but not too much. He wouldn't want that.

So, I'll talk to him today, as I do every night before I close my eyes...and I'll take the time to remember the things I loved about him. I love you, Dad. Happy Independence Day.